DRC: the new toll of the Kishishe massacre estimated at 272 dead by the authorities
The massacre occurred in North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
(illustrative image) Getty Images - Chris Dennis Rosenberg
Text by: RFI Follow
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In the DRC, the authorities announce a new assessment of the Kishishe massacre, in North Kivu.
A massacre attributed to the M23 rebels who have been leading an offensive in this part of Congo for several months.
After an initial report reporting a hundred deaths, the Minister of Industry as well as that of Communication at a press conference, this Monday, December 5, 2022, provided more precise figures, evoking 272 deaths.
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With our special correspondent in Kinshasa,
Paulina Zidi
"
What happened in Rutshuru is a tragedy, a war crime
," said Julien Paluku, the Minister of Industry, who was speaking mainly in his capacity as former governor of North Kivu. .
Alongside the Minister of Communication, he returned at length to the results of
the attack in Kishishe
last week.
Authorities now count 272 dead.
#DRC Special Press Briefing: Kishishe massacre perpetrated by the M23/RDF.
Facing the press, the Minister of Industry, Julien PALUKU KAHONGYA and the Minister of Communication and Media, Government Spokesperson, Patrick MUYAYA.
https://t.co/eWmrzZN1GZ
— Ministry of Communication and Media/DRC (@Com_mediasRDC) December 5, 2022
Patrick Muyaya explained that this figure, much higher than that
given at the end of last week
, had been consolidated with the communities which made the census of the victims.
Among them, the government mentioned at least 17 children.
An economic conflict
The minister acknowledged that there were "
difficulties in cross-checking all the figures
" since the area is currently controlled by the M23.
"
They were not members of armed groups,
" added the Minister of Industry as a response to the rebels who in a statement rejected these accusations.
Julien Paluku spoke of a war linked above all to economic reasons, in particular to gain access to the mines in the region.
The government spokesman added that the Minister of Justice would be in The Hague on Tuesday to request an investigation from the International Criminal Court.
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To read also: In the DRC, convictions multiply after a massacre of civilians in North Kivu
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